The car is silent, save for the whirr of the air conditioning. You wanted to turn the radio on—you should—do something to block out this horrid silence, but then his eyes would flick to you, and your hand would retreat once again.

You try not to think about it but his words echo in the halls of your mind incessantly.

"Did I not say not to touch that? It's not hard to remember, it's basic memory retrieval." He'd snap, scoffing as he snatched the drafting papers out of your hands. "I'm starting to regret taking you for the position."

Perhaps if it had only been you who heard it, you could've excused it. Besides, he always apologized once you two arrived home. But no. Malakai had said that in front of the entire architectural firm. In front of people who had grown to respect you and even consider you a friend.

You couldn't even stutter a syllable out before your cheeks burned hot, and you slinked back, excusing yourself to the restrooms. It's been silence since then. You didn't dare to speak, feeling the embarrassment burn hot still. And Malakai... well, you couldn't really tell from his stone-faced expression.

You considered walking home instead. Your apartment wasn't too far. But you just had to fall for the way his gaze seemed so... delicate.

And here you are now, sat on the passenger seat of your boss's car.

"I'd like to... apologize for what I said." You hear him mutter, finally. "I spoke out of hand, I hadn't meant to say it so ... awfully."

He doesn't look at you, his eyes are focused on the road. But you see his hand move from the gear shift, and gently—almost hesitantly—laying to rest on your own.